10 Artsy Dallas Places to Shop for Christmas Presents

'Tis the season to shop local and shop well. Just don't buy your gifts at Walmart, capiche?

Holiday Presence Deep Ellum staple, Kettle Art Gallery, hosts its 10th annual Holiday show, for which they invite their large stable of artists to display work in a cash and carry exhibition. There are plenty of artists to choose from including: Richard Andrew Sharum, Patricia Rodriguez, Richard Ross, Larry Carey, and so many more. Kettle is open from 7-10 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, and 3 - 10 p.m. Saturdays.

Oil & Cotton This lovely craft shop and studio is the perfect place to grab something for the creative person in your life (or the budding creative in your family). If you've never been to this Oak Cliff store before, you should use Christmas shopping as an excuse to pop in.

El Mercado at Erin Cluley Gallery The newest art outpost, Erin Cluley Gallery, has transformed its space into an artistic boutique. Snag work from some of Dallas' hottest artists, as well as artists and designers from around the country. She's extended her gallery hours, and this weekend only from 12-5 p.m. Saturday, you can grab some of Dallas-based Francisco Moreno's debt paintings, which are pretty wonderful limited edition works. Read more about them here. And check out what else the gallery has to offer by visiting the Web site for hours and artists.

The Nasher Sculpture Center's Store on site or at NorthPark I'm a big fan of museum stores for gift buying. It's where I snag souvenirs on trips, and goodies you just don't see anywhere else. The Nasher store is no exception. Whether you head to the arts district (you don't have to fully enter the museum to stop by the store), or to the new NorthPark Center location, you're bound to find something to give the ungiftable.

Better Block Christmas Market If you're a last weekend shopper, but you still want to grab something creative and local, you're in luck. Better Block Holiday Market is scheduled for 5- 10 p.m. December 20 at Lucky Dog Books. They'll serve up some mulled wine while you peruse the local hand-crafted wares, and oh, yeah, the books!

{neighborhood} This is one of my favorite stores in Bishop Arts District. Not only do they have a "design bar" where they'll help you map out your house (let's be real, I will never be able to afford that), they're also a treasure trove of local art and cool knickknacks or well-designed home goods. Last time I was there, I gifted myself a pretty little business card holder. Currently they're exhibiting the work of Denton-based Taylor McClure and Dallas-based Lisa Lindholm.

Nest Don't walk into Nest with empty pockets. This store might just break your porcelain piggy bank. But if you're one of those big spenders during the holidays, then check out this shop on McKinney Avenue. From the occasional, and very exclusive designer shirts to overwhelmingly beautiful throws, you'll be covered in drool by the time you leave.

Wild Detectives In this teeny, tiny bookstore in Oak Cliff, there is a small, but carefully selected vinyl section alongside an array of books. Pretty much every book in the shop is worth reading, and it's Dallas' only independent bookstore that sells exclusively unused books.

Deep Ellum Holiday Market We can't tell you with official certainty that the list of vendors will be incredible, but our educated guess is that the holiday installment of this local market will bring out some of the best. Stop by Deep Ellum from 11a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday, December 20 and grab some last minute gifts.

We Are 1976 This Henderson Avenue store has an eclectic mix of screen prints, clothing, knickknacks and some of the best greeting cards around.